all the better

USAGE SUMMARY

"all the better" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express a sentiment that is optimistic or advantageous for a situation. For example, you could say "If we can get the job finished earlier, all the better!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is after all the better course?

The New York Times

The less seen of him, after all, the better.

The New York Times

All the better.

The New York Times - Books

All the better to experiment.

The New York Times

-- "controversial," all the better.

The New York Times

Mr. Hortefeux answers: "All the better.

The New York Times

If it is entertaining, all the better.

The New York Times

All the better for stealing the spotlight.

The New York Times

All the better for the earth.

The New Yorker

All the better for highlighting.

The New York Times - Style

And it's all the better for it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all the better" to express a positive outcome or added benefit in a concise and optimistic way. For instance, "If the weather is sunny, all the better for our picnic."

Common error

Avoid using "all the better" when a genuinely superior alternative exists. This phrase implies an additional benefit, not necessarily the best-case scenario. For example, instead of saying "If we win the lottery, all the better," which sounds understated, use "If we win the lottery, that would be amazing!"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all the better" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its role in modifying a statement to indicate an added advantage or improvement. It enhances the positive aspect of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all the better" is a versatile phrase used to express a positive sentiment about an advantageous situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, remember that it implies an added benefit rather than the best possible outcome. Alternatives include "so much the better" or "that's even better". This phrase is generally considered neutral in tone, fitting for both formal and informal contexts. Be aware of potential misinterpretations and leverage it correctly for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so much the better

This alternative emphasizes the degree to which something is improved or made more desirable.

that's even better

This phrase highlights that a new condition is superior to the original expectation or state.

that's a plus

This alternative simplifies the expression, focusing on the additional benefit.

even more advantageous

This alternative is more formal and stresses the beneficial aspect.

an added advantage

This phrase points out that something provides an extra benefit in addition to the existing ones.

a welcome bonus

This option describes something positive as an unexpected and pleasant addition.

an improvement

This alternative focuses directly on the act of betterment.

a step up

This idiom implies that a change leads to advancement or progress.

all the more reason

This phrase indicates that something provides further justification or incentive.

a silver lining

This option describes a positive aspect that arises from an otherwise negative situation.

FAQs

How can I use "all the better" in a sentence?

"All the better" is used to express that a particular outcome or situation is advantageous or preferable. For example: "If we finish the project early, "all the better"!" or "The tickets were cheaper than expected, "all the better"."

What phrases are similar to "all the better"?

Alternatives to "all the better" include phrases like "so much the better", "that's even better", or "that's a plus". These express a similar sentiment of added benefit or improvement.

Is "all the better" formal or informal?

"All the better" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives such as "even more advantageous" might be preferred in very formal writing.

What does "all the better" imply about a situation?

"All the better" implies that a situation is already satisfactory, and a particular additional factor makes it even more desirable or beneficial. It suggests an added bonus or advantage.